Carbon source screening for nitrate remediation in permeable recative barrier: Ion chromatography technique

Abstract

In heterotrophic denitrification process, the integrity of carbon source within the gate of permeable reactive barrier(PRB) is as important as the remediation process itself. Problems of early depreciation rate of the electron source and pollution swapping have been reported to be amongst the recalcitrant factors. In an attempt to identify a new carbon source that can adress some of the above mentioned problems, multi layers extracts of selected seed materials (Moringa Oleifera, Tamarind and date seed) were subjected to ion chromatography screening for identification of denitrification active anion and antagonistic radicals. The results revealed that Moringa Oleifera seed cover had the highest sulphate content while tamarind seed had the highest chloride content with multiple untagged peaks within the 3-6min region. The date seed was found to be the most suitable on account of it’s less anion radicals and slow rate of decomposition. The ultrasonic-aided batch analysis for adsorbtion measurement carried out on the suitable seed (Date seed) revealed minor adsorption capacity (15%) for nitrate. It is recommended that the date seed be combined with fast degradable carbon substrate for effective exploitation in heterotrophic denitrification.